Middle East Minister Hamish Falconer has rejected accusations that the Government has been “fence-sitting” over backing US and Israeli military operations against Iran.
Speaking on GB News, he stated: “The British Government is not on the fence. Throughout the weekend, we have been taking action to shoot down drones.”
The Minister confirmed that Britain has entered into “specific and limited agreements” with American allies to enable action against Iranian missile launches.
He explained: “We are supporting the Americans to take action against the missiles and capability of the Iranians to threaten our allies, our nationals and our interests.”
He emphasised this arrangement remains under continuous review, with the Government committed to providing updates through established channels as circumstances develop.
Mr Falconer made clear that Britain was not involved in the initial wave of strikes carried out by Israel and the United States, noting the government’s preference had been for diplomatic resolution of issues including Iran’s nuclear programme.
However, he said this position shifted in response to what he described as reckless Iranian aggression targeting civilian infrastructure.
“There are attacks which are threatening hotels, airports, of course, the many hundreds of thousands of British nationals who are in the region, we assess it’s about 300,000,” the Minister said.
Hamish Falconer has denied that Sir Keir Starmer is ‘sitting on the fence’ on Iran
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GB NEWS
He characterised the Iranian missile attacks as posing a direct threat to the region, Gulf allies and British citizens abroad.
“Those missile launches are clearly a threat to the region, to our Gulf allies, to our nationals, and that is why we’ve taken the steps that the Prime Minister announced last night,” Mr Falconer added.
The Foreign Office has been inundated with enquiries, with more than 100,000 British nationals making contact over the weekend seeking guidance.
Addressing those stranded abroad directly, Falconer acknowledged the distressing nature of rapidly evolving events and the significant disruption caused by airspace closures across the region.
Sir Keir Starmer confirmed Britain played ‘no role’ in the US-Israeli strikes on Iran
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PA“We will get you home as quickly and as safely as we can,” he assured them.
The minister urged Britons in affected countries to register their presence with authorities and adhere to official travel guidance.
He said: “Please do register your presence if you’re in one of the affected countries. Follow our travel advice. Make sure you follow the advice where relevant of local authorities.”
Mr Falconer confirmed contingency plans are being prepared for all scenarios but declined to elaborate further.
Mr Falconer assured that the Labour Government is ‘not on the fence’
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GB NEWS
On the question of potential Iran-linked terrorism on British soil, Falconer confirmed the government maintains constant vigilance over threat levels.
He acknowledged that Iranian-originating threats and attempted attacks targeting the UK have been identified, as he has previously informed Parliament.
“We have effective domestic security arrangements which have foiled those attacks, and some of those attacks are now subject to a legal process,” the minister stated.
Mr Falconer issued a stark warning to anyone contemplating hostile action within Britain.
“I would say to anyone considering any action in the UK of that nature, we are a capable country, more than capable of detecting threats and taking action against them,” he declared.